ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) has been awarded a $52.7 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to continue development of Modular Divert and Attitude Control System (MDACS) technologies applicable to the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIB missile interceptors. The technology contract will be executed by ATK Defense Group's Elkton, Maryland operation.

The MDACS propulsion system provides the impulse needed for the kinetic warhead to acquire and lock onto the target, maintain stable flight and perform end-game maneuvers for final intercept. Specific technologies to be advanced will include elements of the new MDACS system architecture to address the longer mission timelines associated with growing threats. ATK's unique approach to a ship-board compatible MDACS improves the SM-3 Block II kinematic performance, providing a key performance upgrade to the missile.

"We are excited for the opportunity to work with the MDA to continue to develop the MDACS propulsion technology suite," said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager of ATK Missile Products. "We look forward to applying our unique technical expertise in controllable solid propulsion solutions for this critical defense capability."

ATK has produced more than 165 solid DACS (SDACS) for the SM-3 program. ATK has more than 35 years of experience in developing and manufacturing missile defense DACS and has built a strong engineering team dedicated to driving innovative solutions for future interceptors.

ATK Defense Group is an industry leader in ammunition, precision and strike weapons, missile warning solutions, and tactical rocket motors across air, sea and land-based systems. ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico and internationally. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.